Introduction

The Chancellor Philip Hammond presented the last Spring Budget on Wednesday 8 March 2017.

In his speech the Chancellor was keen to point out that he wanted the tax system to be fair, particularly in relation to the distinction between employed and self-employed individuals.

'But a fair system will also ensure fairness between individuals, so that people doing similar work for similar wages and enjoying similar state benefits pay similar levels of tax.'

In the Budget speech the Chancellor announced that he has requested a report to be delivered in the summer on the wider implications of different employment practices. Also the Budget included changes to NICs and the Dividend Allowance.

In December and January the government issued a number of the clauses, in draft, of Finance Bill 2017 together with updates on consultations.

The Budget updates some of these previous announcements and also proposes further measures. Some of these changes apply from April 2017 and some take effect at a later date.

Our summary focuses on the issues likely to affect you, your family and your business. To help you decipher what was said we have included our own comments. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.

Main Budget tax proposals

Our summary concentrates on the tax measures which include:

increases to the Class 4 National Insurance rates

a reduction in the Dividend Allowance

changes to the timing of Making Tax Digital for smaller businesses.

Previously announced measures include:

increases to the personal allowance and basic rate band (a decreased band for Scottish residents)

the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy

changes to corporation tax loss relief

the introduction of an additional inheritance tax residence nil rate band

changes for non-UK domiciled individuals.

The Budget proposals may be subject to amendment in a Finance Act. You should contact us before taking any action as a result of the contents of this summary.

Update on proposed changes to Class 4 NICs

One of the significant announcements Chancellor Philip Hammond made on Budget Day was the proposed increases to the main rate of Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) paid by self-employed individuals from 9% to 10% from April 2018 with a further increase planned from 10% to 11% from April 2019.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced that the government will not now proceed with the proposed increase in Class 4 NICs rates which had been widely criticised. Self-employed individuals currently pay Class 2 and Class 4 NICs. Class 2 NICs are to be abolished from April 2018.

The government plans to announce further measures in the Autumn Budget on how the cost of the changes will be funded. We will keep you informed of future developments.

Interlegal Consulting

Our priority is to deliver first class client service to all clients, whether you are a small start-up, large company, or simply looking for some personal tax advice.

LONDON-MADRID &COPY; 2018 Interlegal Consulting. All rights reserved. Registered in England & Wales Registered Number OC359469. We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.